10 Best Food For Great Danes For 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks
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Great Danes are truly special animals. They’re one of a kind, and can even be the most intimating dogs for guests and people to see. But these gentle giants are truly special animals.
If you own a Great Dane, you are aware of how unique and special these dogs are. Giving them the best life is always our goal as pet owners, and it all starts with giving them premium food to maintain their amazing size.
We’ll go over some of the most crucial things to remember when feeding your Great Dane below, along with some of our favorite foods for your big best friend.
Ready to get started? Good, let’s go.
Our Best Dog Food for Great Danes
- Gentle Giants – Best Dog Food For Great Danes
- Holistic Select Giant Breed Dog Food – Best Dog Food For Great Dane Adults
- Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food — Best Dog Food For Puppy Great Danes
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed – Best Dog Food For Senior Great Dane Dogs
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food — Best Wet Food For Great Danes Puppies
- Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Canned Dog Food – Best Wet Food For Great Danes
- Ollie – Best Fresh Food For Great Danes
- Purina ONE Smart Blend Chicken & Rice – Most Affordable Dog Food For Great Danes
- Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility Large Breed Dog Food – Best Join Health Dog Food For Great Danes
- Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Large Breed Dog Food – Best Weight Loss Dog Food For Great Danes
10 Best Dog Foods for Great Danes Reviewed
Gentle Giants Dog Food – Best Dog Food For Great Danes
The Gentle Giants dog food was a staple in my Jack’s diet. He loved this food (he was a super picky eater). It is loaded with high proteins, clean cards, and vitamins.
Chicken meal is the first ingredient in this dog food. In comparison to fresh chicken, chicken meal has nearly 300 percent more protein. It is referred to as a meat concentrate.
Barley makes up the second ingredient. The starchy carbohydrate barley contains fiber and other beneficial nutrients. The nutritional value of this cereal grain to a dog, aside from its energy content, is, however, quite low.
Brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that is usually simple to digest once cooked, is the third item. But aside from its inherent energy, rice only has a modest nutritional value for dogs.
Oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats, is the fourth ingredient. Oatmeal is naturally high in dietary fiber, B vitamins, and is gluten-free (unlike many other grains).
Peas are included in the fifth component. A good source of carbohydrates is peas. They are also a good source of natural fiber, like all legumes.
Chicken fat is the following component. When chicken is rendered, which is done similarly to making soup in which the fat is skimmed from the top of the liquid, chicken fat is obtained.
Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid necessary for life, is abundant in chicken fat. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.
One thing to note is, dried yeast. It sometimes maybe considered a contentious item.
Now yeast actually strengthens the immune system and prevents fleas on our furry friends.
But, Yeast ingredients, according to some critics, may cause allergies. This might be true, but only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself (as with all allergies).
Another thing to monitor is how yeast can raise the likelihood of developing the potentially fatal condition known as bloat.
But you might be saying isn’t Yeats in a lot of other dog foods too? Yes, a lot of dog foods contain yeast as an ingredient. It contains a lot of protein and other healthy nutrients that can keep a dog in good health. According to many experts, yeast in dog food can boost a dog’s immune system and prevent fleas from biting it.
PS: I’ve feed my Jack Gentle Giants for years, and never had any issues.
To read our full review on Gentle Giants click here.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Natural Poultry Flavor, Whole Flaxseeds
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (Min.) 22.0%, Crude Fat (Min.) 9.0%, Crude Fiber (Max.) 4.0%, Moisture (Max.) 10.0%.
Caloric Content: 358 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Active, Best
Holistic Select Giant Breed Dog Food – Best Dog Food For Great Dane Adults
A moderate 24 percent of the Holistic Select Giant Breed Dog Food formula’s protein comes from chicken meal. For maintaining muscles in large bodies without adding to excess weight, average protein levels are ideal.
Healthy omega-3 fatty acids are provided at an ideal fat content of 14 percent, supporting a healthy coat. Additionally reducing the risks of obesity is low fat content.
Because of the additional strain that a Great Dane’s enormous body can put on there joints, controlling weight and growth is essential. Antioxidants and extra glucosamine may help your dog’s joints feel better.
Another typical health problem in Great Danes is bloat. When dogs eat too much at one meal, their stomachs become overstuffed with gas.
Your dog can eat smaller meals because of the food’s probiotics and digestive support, which maximize nutrient absorption.
According to reviews, Great Dane parents find that this food is suitable for their dogs’ sensitive digestive systems. The kibble size is smaller than other foods for giant breed dogs, though.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Rice, Oatmeal, Oats, Chicken Fat
Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 453 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion, Pea-Free, Gluten Free
Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food — Best Dog Food For Puppy Great Danes
To develop into the gentle pup, your Great Dane puppy needs the right kind of nutrition. Giving your puppy the nutritional support it needs for active growth and energy during the puppy years is a great choice with this blend from Eukanuba.
To help your little giant grow into a big and strong dog, the recipe contains high-quality animal protein, optimal levels of DHA, phosphorous, calcium, and optimized carbs and fats. For puppies up to 15 months old, it is advised.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Wheat, Chicken Fat
Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 3.7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 357 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Puppies, Growth
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed – Best Dog Food For Senior Great Dane Dogs
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed dog food provides specialized ingredients for immune health and muscle maintenance to help senior Great Danes.
Giant breeds (like Great Danes) tend to live shorter lives than smaller dogs, so owners should start feeding senior food to them earlier.
At about age 6, you should look into Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed.
Older dogs should consume a lower 20 percent protein content from high-quality sources like deboned chicken. L-Carnitine encourages the preservation of lean muscle. And whole-grain carbohydrates give your senior the energy they need to stay active.
Vitamin E and other antioxidants help shield tissue from aging-related deterioration. Additionally, glucosamine helps senior dogs with joint disease manage it.
There is no corn, wheat, or soy in this formula. Additionally, a high fiber content of 7% supports a healthy digestive system. Owners believe that this formula is perfect for elderly people who are sensitive.
Main Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Meal
Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 344 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Senior Dogs, No Corn/Wheat/Soy
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food — Best Wet Food For Great Danes Puppies
Pet owners can usually tell when there dog gets hooked on a type of food. This results of course in our dogs developing food preferences. If you find yourself struggling t find food that your Great Dane enjoys, you should take a look at the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Chicken Dinner Wet Food.
Chicken is the first ingredient in this puppy dog food. And of course we know how good chicken is for our furry friends
With ten essential amino acids that dogs need to survive, Blue buffalo over delivers here
Chicken broth is the next ingredient. There is little nutritional value in broths. Yet they are a common addition component in many canned goods because they give dog food flavor and moisture.
Hen liver is third. This is named animal-sourced organ meat, which is why it is regarded as a valuable ingredient.
Carrots, which are high in beta-carotene, minerals, and dietary fiber, are the fourth component.
The last main ingredients is peas, which are good source of carbs.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas
Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 10% Crude Protein, 7.5% Crude Fat, 1.3% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 451 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Puppy, Wet Food
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Canned Dog Food – Best Wet Food For Great Danes
This grain-free, nutrient-rich wet dog food from Taste of the Wild is perfect for Great Danes.
Multiple sources of lean animal protein are included in the recipe. Beef, lamb, and venison are examples of real meat ingredients.
The protein and fat percentages of this wet food are a little low given its 82 percent moisture content. However, this dish still will meet your Great Dane’s nutritional needs and we do still recommend it.
Wet food is always a great option for picky eaters. Great Danes frequently prefer this food to dry alternatives because the taste is so good.
Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are also present thanks to the whole food ingredients.
This grain-free formula can satisfy your dog’s need for energy by providing sources of complex carbohydrates like potatoes and peas.
Main Ingredients: Beef, Lamb Broth, Beef Broth, Vegetable Broth, Lamb Liver
Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 8% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fat, 1.0% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
Caloric Content: 322 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Wet Food, Adult
Ollie – Best Fresh Food For Great Danes
By feeding your Great Danes high-quality fresh food made especially for Great Danes, like My Ollie, you can be confident your boy (or gal) will be eating good.
Ollie specializes in creating diet plans for dogs that promise increased energy, appetite, and digestion. Lamb meat, squash, liver, kale, cranberries, whole beef ,sweet potato’s and other real foods are among its main components.
After you sign up, Ollie will give you the option to answer questions about the age, breed, weight, and medical history of your dog.
Your dog’s allergies or sensitivities will also be taken into account so they can have the best possible digestive health. Because the meals are delivered pre-cooked to your door, you won’t even have to prepare their food.
Main Ingredients – Depends On Flavor (Beef, Lamb, Turkey Available): Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, kale, rice
Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 10% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 74% Moisture
Caloric Content: 266 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Fresh
Purina ONE Smart Blend Chicken & Rice – Most Affordable Dog Food For Great Danes
First on the list of ingredients is real chicken. Antioxidant combination with dual defense to support a robust immune system.
This Purina kibble has ingredients that are good for joints and is a fantastic source of fiber. It’s a great option for owners of large dog breeds because it’s incredibly affordable for dog parents as well.
Nautel sources of Glucosamine can be found as well, that support healthy joints.
Main Ingredients: Chicken (Source of Glucosamine), Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source of Glucosamine)
Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 26% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 383 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Affordable
Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility Large Breed Dog Food – Best Join Health Dog Food For Great Danes
Chicken meal is the source of the Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility Large Breed Dog Food formula’s 28 percent protein content. To give big dogs secure sources of energy, it contains a number of whole-grain ingredients.
High levels of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help to lessen joint inflammation. These beneficial fats aid in reducing inflammation in sore joints.
The components of healthy cartilage are concentrated levels of glucosamine and chondroitin. These components are essential for enhancing comfort in canines with joint disease.
Additional E and C serve as antioxidants to help defend joints from damage caused by free radicals.
After just one bag, the majority of dogs notice improved mobility and joint flexibility.
The kibble is a little on the bigger side, but should be okay for your Great Dane.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat
Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 22.4% Crude Protein, 14.7% Crude Fat, 2.4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 359 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Joint Issues & Health
Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Large Breed Dog Food – Best Weight Loss Dog Food For Great Danes
The first ingredient in the Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Large Breed Dog Food is actual chicken, which adds to the 24 percent protein content.
This formula can satisfy your Great Dane’s nutritional needs without adding too many calories thanks to its nutrient-rich ingredients.
A cup’s low caloric content of 239 kcal supports weight loss. Energy is provided by lean proteins and complex carbohydrates, and additional fiber keeps your dog full.
Joint issues are common in large, overweight dogs. This recipe contains glucosamine, which lessens the discomfort brought on by the added strain of gaining weight.
Most owners who feed this product properly report successful weight loss. However, some dogs may not enjoy the flavor.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Split Peas
Guaranteed Analysis: 22% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 12% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 239 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Weight Management for Great Danes
Great Danes Dog Food Buyer’s Guide
Great Danes are truly one of a kind dogs. However, because of their large size, they have particular nutritional needs. It’s crucial to know how to choose the best dog food for your enormous four-legged friend.
Everything You Need to Know About Feeding a Great Dane
Understanding your Great Dane’s unique dietary needs will help you choose the best food products for them and ensure that they get what they need. Making a choice will be made easier if you have a better understanding of potential allergies, serving sizes, caloric needs, and other factors.
Nutritional Requirements
Like all dogs, Great Danes require a diet with a proper balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Moderate Protein
A diet with moderate protein is best for the majority of Great Danes. Select formulas with a crude protein content of about 24%.
Dogs rely on protein as their main dietary source of energy. However, Great Danes that consume too much protein may become overly muscular or grow too quickly. The skeletal system may develop abnormally as a result of rapid growth.
Low Fats
For Great Danes and other large breed dogs, obesity can be a serious issue. Due to their size, they are more likely to experience joint problems and experience additional stress on their bones.
The best dog foods for this breed have a maximum fat content of 20%. However, fish oil and other sources of good fats can help to strengthen the heart and coat.
Digestible Carbohydrates
Make sure the dog food you choose contains whole grains. Energy is provided by these ingredients in the form of simple carbohydrates.
Food without grains can also provide the necessary energy by supplying carbohydrates in the form of potatoes or peas.
Large dogs require lots of energy. But be careful to limit the intake of filler carbohydrates. Weight gain can easily be facilitated by refined carbohydrates.
Fiber
For dogs, fiber is not their main source of energy. However, it supports the good bacteria that reside in your dog’s gut.
Make sure the dog food you feed contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. The absorption of nutrients will be improved by these ingredients. By doing this, you’ll ensure that your Great Dane can utilize the nutrition that comes from his diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Great danes must eat a diet that provides them with the vitamins and minerals they need each day. Puppies are particularly susceptible to nutritional deficiencies that could harm them in the long run.
It’s possible that Great Danes don’t reach their full size until they turn four. They will be able to develop into healthy adults thanks to essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Developmental bone diseases can result from these minerals’ deficiencies.
Antioxidants
Vitamins E and C, are two antioxidants that will help prevent damage to body tissues. These nutrients are found in fruits and vegetables.
By lowering inflammation, eating a diet high in antioxidants can strengthen your Great Dane’s immune system. This protects against a number of health problems, such as heart disease, joint issues and more.
As always, you should be feeding your dog AAFCO’s nutrient profile guidelines
Probiotics
One of the most common health issues that effect Great Danes is bloat. By adding probiotics to your dogs diet, they will be able to breakdown food better as well as reduce excess gas.
Joint Friendly Ingredients
Great Danes can weigh up to 200 pounds. Their bones and joints are put under additional strain due to all that weight.
Almost all Great Danes can benefit from a diet rich in chondroprotective components. A frequent component that helps safeguard joint cartilage is glucosamine. If you want to make your dog feel his best, look for a formula that offers extra support.
Things to Consider before Deciding Your Dog’s Calorie Intake
Depending on their size and life stage, Great Danes require very different diets. These gentle giants, which weighs around 2 pounds at birth, can quickly reach weights of more than 100 pounds in months. With that being said, here are some things to think about.
Life Stage
Despite their large size, Great Dane puppies are very energetic and hyper, so they need more calories to keep up. At this point, they need a lot of calories in order to get all the energy they need for growth and development.
Activity Level
Great Danes are usually active, and depending on how active they are, will change how much you should feed them.
The more active they are, the more you should feed them. While keeping an eye on the calories, don’t forget to check that your dog is receiving the right amount of nutrition’s as well.
Caloric Needs
In order to support their large size, great danes require sufficient energy levels. However, many of these gentle giants are content to lounge around all day.
The daily calorie requirement for most Great Danes is between 2500 and 3500. Compared to smaller breeds, this may seem like a lot, but these puppies need to fuel a lot more body mass.
How Much Food Do Great Danes Need
The weight of your Great Dane puppy will fluctuate a lot over time.
Making sure that their joints, muscles, and bones develop at the same rate is crucial. Additionally, Great Danes are prone to bloating issues, so you must be extremely careful when feeding them.
It is ideal to feed your puppy 3-5 times a day.
| Great Dane Puppy Age | Daily Food Amount |
| 8 – 11 Weeks | 2 – 4 Cups |
| 12 – 15 Weeks | 3 – 5 Cups |
| 16 – 19 Weeks | 4 – 6 Cups |
| 20 – 23 Weeks | 5 – 7 Cups |
| 24 – 27 Weeks | 6 – 8 Cups |
| 28 – 35 Weeks | 6 – 9 Cups |
| 9 Months – 1 Year | 7 – 10 Cups |
How Much Should You Feed a Great Dane Adult?
About 350–450 calories per cup.
In general, female dogs need less maintenance than male dogs. Give your adult Great Dane at least two separate meals each day.
| Great Dane Gender | Daily Food Amount |
| Female | 6 – 9 Cups |
| Male | 8 – 14 Cups |
Health Issues and Diet
Bloat and Gastric Torsion
The most frequent issue for Great Danes is bloat. It is a frightening condition with negative effects. But managing the risk of this condition can be greatly aided by diet.
When the stomach is stretched too far, the stomach twists. This can be fatal as it prevents blood flow. Providing multiple meals a day for your Great Dane will help to prevent this condition. Large kibble sizes can also make your dog eat more slowly.
Joint Problems and Hip Dysplasia
Due to their large size, Great Danes’ bones and joints are subjected to excessive strain. A key component of lowering the risks of joint disease is weight management.
Foods containing glucosamine can be beneficial for Great Danes who have joint problems. This substance lessens joint discomfort.
Hip dysplasia can happen to puppies whose growth is too rapid. This skeletal condition results in a hip joint malformation, which can lead to arthritis. In order to prevent developmental disorders in growing Danes, a balanced diet is essential.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
In this condition, the heart’s size enlarges and its walls thin, which affects the heart’s ability to pump blood and leads to oxygenation issues.
Osteosarcoma
Also called Bone cancer. Other body parts of Great Danes are also susceptible to cancer development.
Vitamin D supplementation will help lower the risk of developing this condition.
Lymphoma is brought on by the malignant cells’ abnormal growth. Vitamin A can aid in promoting healthy cell development.
Hypothyroidism can also affect Great Danes. When the thyroid gland in your dog malfunctions, this endocrine condition develops. Iodine-rich dog foods can aid in controlling the disease’s unexplained weight gain.
Great Danes Dog Food FAQs
Is a grain-free diet better for my Great Dane?
A healthy, balanced diet is essential for Great Danes. Instead of debating whether or not people should eat grains, the emphasis should be on grain quality.
No matter their breed, most dogs can struggle to digest inferior grain. For dogs with stomach and digestion problems, a grain-free option may be better. Foods like soy, corn, wheat, and other grains should be avoided here.
Other than that, you can feed your dog a diet that includes grains as long as you only use premium, organically-certified grains.
Do Great Danes Have Sensitive Stomachs?
Great Danes are known for having delicate stomachs. Think about giving your dog a limited-ingredient diet to help him overcome his intolerance.
What should I feed my Great Dane if he has a sensitive stomach?
Here you might want to switch to a sensitive stomach blend.
We have a full guide on the best sensitive stomach dog foods here. Make sure to check it out now! You can also ask a veterinarian for help in further customizing his diet.
When should I switch my Great Dane from puppy food to adult food?
Great Danes are considered adults at the age of 15 months (just over a year.) Here, you can switch their puppy food to an adult verison.
How much exercise do Great Danes need?
Although they might prefer to be indoors, they do need a long walk at least once per day.
It’s also beneficial to let them run around in your yard if it’s big. Puppies and teenagers typically need 90 minutes of exercise per day, whereas an adult can get by with 30 to 60 minutes.
Conclusion
Great Danes are large dogs with high nutritional requirements.
The best overall choice for your Great Dane is Gentle Giants or Holistic Select Giant Breed Dog Food because it is made specifically with nutrition for giant breeds in mind.
These kind giants show you nothing but love, so of course you should reciprocate and get them the best dog food out there.
Thanks for reading and if you’re looking for more information on breed specific dog food then click here.
